Monday, November 24, 2008

Taggett were a british based studio project assembled by fairly well-known players from other british bands. Comprised of Peter Arnesen (If, Daddy Longlegs), Colin Horton-Jennings (Greatest Show on Earth), Terry Fogg (Sounds Incorporated) and Tim Wheatley (Gracious), the band hired Tony Hicks (Hollies) and Alan Parsons to produce and engineer their debut. Landing a short-term contract with EMI Records, their self-titled album was finally issued in the UK in early 1974. The album tanked and the members soon split, but two years later, United Artists had issued the album in the US. Expecting to have the band launch a promotional tour for the album, execs were surprised to find the members working on other projects instead. That was essentially the last that was ever heard from Taggett. Members went on to work in various acts like Ian Hunter, Hollies and The Rubettes.

The album is a rather indistinct batch of songs, though there's nothing particularly bad about it either. With a vibe that veers from pub rock to country rock to folk rock, there's really no cohesive sound present. Arnesen's vocals make some of the tracks feel disjointed at times, but there are some highlights here as well. "Lonely Nights, Lonely Days" is hooky enough and "I'll Be You Anchor Man" has a charming cockney approach that's hard not to like. "Time" is also another strong track that has some creative and subtle time signature changes in places. Aside from these tracks, the remainder is predominantly very laid back and unassuming. Perhaps that's the problem. There's just no strong character in much of this album.

In any case, there's certainly an audience for this kind of thing. It's all a matter of taste, folks. Check out this sweet vinyl rip and judge for yourself...

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